DAKOTA Scarlett, West and I are awkwardly sitting on a bench under one of the trees in the school park. Needless to say, I didn't think something like this would happen. "So, who's your friend?" Scarlett asked. "His name is West. We met at the hospital" It is the first thing that comes to my mind. West eyes me with displeasure. But, the thing is, it was in the spur of the moment. There's no time to think. "At the hospital?" Scarlett asks, her eyes filled with concern. "That's right. West has leukaemia" I tell her. West glares at me and Scarlett's gaze softens."I'm so so sorry, West. If you're friends with Kota, you must be a good person" she utters. West gives her a smile. "I try to live rightly. Besides, I don't have a lot of time left. It's hard but I'll get through it" West plays along with me. Scarlett places a hand over his and squeezes gently. "If you need anything, I'll gladly offer my help if it is within my capacity " "Thank you...uh..""It's Scarlett. Scarle
DAKOTA "What are you talking about?" I say, moving backwards out of Hunter's grip. Sweat rolls down my spine, my heart pounding against my rib cage. Hunter is barely containing his rage, it is written all over his face. "You know what I'm talking about, don't you?!" He rages, his nose flaring.He's not going to hit me, is he? I can't help but think. If I failed to find a way out of this mess, the situation could spiral out of hand. Dragging in a shaky breath, I gaze up at Hunter with the most sincere expression I can muster. "Calm down, Hunter. This is probably as a result of my near death experience," I tell him.His frown deepens, confusion written all over his face."But-""You don't trust me. Why?" I breathe, pushing my hair away from my face.He lowers his gaze, his frown fading."I'm sorry. I've been on edge. I shouldn't have-"Again, I cut him off."Forget it, Hunter. I just want to get some sleep. I want to be alone " I say, turning away from him. "Kota, I'm really sorry-
DAKOTA "Who hurt you?" Dashiell's question snaps me out of my daze and I pull away, diverting my gaze from him. In the pit of my stomach, bitterness brims at the thought of the fact that this man who is standing in front of me, is the person responsible for the situation I've found myself in. He deserves to die. "Dakota?" He whispers, reaching out to touch my shoulder.It's true that in this moment, I do wish to drive the blade of a knife through his heart. However, I can't do that. The mission comes first.Mustering some strength and courage, I take a deep breath and look up at him. This is my chance. I must seize it."Dashiell, would you do me a favour?" I ask, feigning an expression of desperation. He furrows his brows and in the depth of his uncovered azure eye, I can see his concern for me. "What is it?" He asks, keeping his umbrella above our heads. "Let me stay with you in your house."For a moment, silence settles between the both of us and he stares at me, now
DAKOTA Lowering my gaze to look at the rose necklace I'd just picked from the floor, I straighten, placing the necklace on Dashiell's desk with shaky fingers. He stalks towards me, his brows furrowed. I'm panicking inside, but I won't let him see it. "Give me an answer, Dakota," he drones, stopping in front of me."I... looked through the drawer. I was curious... that's why I took it out," I tell him with bated breath. He stares at me for a moment, stoic and unblinking. Then he silently takes the necklace from me. "I shouldn't have done that... I'm sorry," I breathe.With his shoulders slumped, he returns the necklace to its original position and turns to stare at me. There's a crease in his brows, and his eye seems to have lost its shine. Unable to hide my curiosity, I decide to take the bull by the horn. "Does it belong to your lover, perhaps?" I ask. His frown deepens."Why do you think so?""I mean...it looks like a woman's jewelry," I tell him. Heaving a sigh, he sink
DAKOTA "Are you alright?" Dashiell asks, his brows creased. Still shaken up, I nod in response. He lowers his gaze and reaches out to gently touch my throbbing ankle. "Get on my back," he says, and my eyes widen. With Ocean's help, my ankle would heal in no time. Dashiell is probably unaware of the fact that I have a wolf now. "You don't have to..."He cuts me off as he turns away from me, his broad back facing me. "I want to. Now, do as I say."Defeated, I move closer to him, and he scoops me off the ground as he straightens, my legs locked around his hips. The pain around my ankle fades as I find myself relaxing. His warmth and scent are soothing, and no matter how hard I struggle to stay awake, I eventually drift off into slumber. When I finally awaken, I sit up with a jolt, my eyes wide."I'm...in bed?" I mutter, my gaze scanning the unfamiliar, spacious bedroom with monochrome designs. It looks different from the room Dashiell had allowed me to stay in. More importantl
DASHIELL Dakota's pleading gaze does not falter as she questions my identity and intentions. She's desperate, I can see it in her eyes. But, I believe that she's better off not knowing the full details. If she knows everything, she definitely won't stay still. She would end up in trouble in no time. I really want to avoid that."Why aren't you saying anything? Dashiell, I'm your mate. I don't know anything about you, and I feel like..."I cut her off, bringing her to her feet. "Why are you curious about me? Don't tell me it's because you want to know more about your mate. What's your real reason?" I ask. She stares at me for a moment, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just...I feel like I won't be able to protect you if I don't know what's really going on," she tells me, and I gape at her, stunned. She wants to protect me? How's she going to do that? As it is, she can barely protect herself. I want to do the protecting. I'm strong enough to protect the both of us.
DAKOTA The sound of Hunter's voice jolts me awake from my peaceful slumber. Opening my eyes, I sit up in bed, concentrating on the direction where his voice is coming from. Stepping out of bed, I hurry out of my bedroom and rush down the stairs. I make it to the sitting room, just in time to catch sight of Hunter slamming Dashiell against the wall, his fingers locked around his throat. It's strange that Hunter had figured out where I am so easily. With my heart in my throat, I quietly watch them from the monitor on the wall of the sitting room, just by the front door. Although Hunter's rage is evident, Dashiell doesn't look bothered at all. "Get your hands off me while I ask nicely," he tells him, a blank look on his face. Hunter tightens his grip on Dashiell's throat as he bares his fangs at him. "And if I don't?!"Dashiell sighs, shutting his eye for a moment. When his eye falls open, he brings a hand to Hunter's chest and gives him a slight push. My jaw drops when Hunt
DAKOTA This is it. Accepting him as my mate would mean that I've switched sides. The Six had given me a chance at rebirth, but they want me on their side. Dashiell might be powerful, but there's a high chance that the Six will destroy my soul if they find out that I've betrayed them. Still, the natural urge to comfort my mate and stay by his side is just as intense. Besides, I have to figure out the whole truth surrounding my death as Melanie Knoxx."I won't let you resign yourself to such a bleak life. I will grow stronger. Strong enough to protect the both of us," I tell him. He stares at me for a while, his eyes heavy hooded. "There's no going back from this, you know that, don't you?" He asks, and I nod, cupping his face. He leans closer to me and captures my lips in a searing kiss that sends sparks flying between us. When we pull away for air, he brushes my hair away from my face, a small smile tugging at his lips."Are you sure you can handle me? I'm crazier than you th